For 44 years, Americans have banded together on April 22nd to do something kind for the planet we call home. Earth Day is an important reminder that each one of us has the power and the responsibility to help save our environment, and to leave behind a safe place for future generations. This April, what will you do to help the environment? Whether it’s something large or something small, every step counts toward making our planet better.

1. Clean Green

Combine Earth Day and spring cleaning by finding recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products you can make yourself out of common household ingredients. Ridding your home of harmful chemicals is good for the planet and your wallet!

2. Plant a Tree

You don’t have to wait until Arbor Day (April 27th) to plant a tree. Trees help fight global warming by taking in CO2, as well as creating a habitat for birds and other creatures. Choose a fruit bearing tree for a yummy reminder each year of your contribution to the planet. » Read more: 10 Easy Ways to GO GREEN for Earth Day!

Here at GiftZip, if there are two things we love they are holidays and being green with eco-friendly e-gift cards. Luckily, there’s a holiday all about green- St. Patrick’s Day! Contrary to popular belief though, this day isn’t all about leprechauns and green beer. We scoured the Internet to debunk some of the most pervasive myths about one of our favorite days of the year.

Myth 1: St. Patrick was Irish.

Well, not quite. Patrick was actually born in England, Scotland, or Wales (opinions vary) and was actually kidnapped by Irish raiders and held captive in Ireland according to traditional narrative. Once he escaped to England and pursued a religious path, however, he served as a missionary in Ireland. Now, he is a patron saint of Ireland, allowing the Irish a special claim to this special day. » Read more: St. Patrick’s Day Myths Debunked

Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your 50th, there’s always a lot of pressure come February 14th to make the day special. With a bit of planning and the element of surprise on your side, 2014 can be your best Valentine’s yet, and GiftZip is here to help!

Turn your gift into a scavenger hunt by creating a series of clues that lead to all of your favorite places around town. No matter what the prize at the end of the adventure, the experience will be a fun and memorable one for you both.

You may not have noticed in the post-holiday blur, but this year’s gift card industry experienced some major scams and setbacks. From unactivated gift cards at Target and elsewhere, to hidden fees and other scams, many shoppers may be swearing off the popular gift altogether. With a few smart shopping tips though, gift card buying can be risk-free, and you can continue to give your friends and family the freedom to choose a gift they love with gift cards to their favorite spots.

1. Watch out for hidden fees! These often pop up when buying general purpose gift cards, like those from American Express and Visa. This chart from BankRate can help to find out what fees might be lurking on gift cards, and will help you decide if you might be better off with a cash gift.

2. Save the receipt from your gift card purchase in case there was an error in its activation. Slip the receipt in with your gift, and your recipient will avoid the awkward encounter of a malfunctioning gift card at the store! This also lets them know the amount on the card without having to ask you or check online. » Read more: 10 Tips for Smart Gift Card Shopping

Bells are jingling, carolers are singing, and you and Santa are both making your list and checking it twice. The holiday shopping season is well under way, and if you didn’t scoop up all your gifts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you may be feeling the pressure to choose gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Online gift cards are an easy and fun way to show your gift recipients that you know what they like. A gift card isn’t just a one time present; it offers your loved ones the chance to have an experience that they wouldn’t have had without your thoughtfulness. No matter who is on your list this year, surprise them with an online gift card!

If you’re asking yourself “is it just me, or has everyone started holiday shopping earlier this year?” then you’re not alone. In fact, you’re probably one of the 37% of shoppers who would be amazed to hear that the other 63% has already started holiday shopping, according to Catalog Spree. This isn’t the only shocking figure that researchers have published lately about this year’s holiday season. It’s sure to be one for the record books.

The leaves are changing colors, the air is turning brisk, and Halloween is just around the corner- Fall is here! If you love the spooky holiday as much as we do, you’re probably already thinking about what costume to wear on October 31st. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, celebrating at parties with friends and family, or staying at home to spook the neighborhood kids and pass out candy, Halloween is a great time to indulge your fantasies and have a little fun!

So what will be the top Halloween costumes this year? We’re predicting plenty of pop culture references mixed with classic Halloween costumes that are popular every year! Here are our top eight costumes for 2013. Want to try one of these creative pop culture costumes out for yourself, or encourage someone else to do the same? Find everything you need from the Halloween shops at Amazon, Walmart, K-Mart, Meijer, and more of the great retailers partnered with GiftZip.com!

Summer may be over, but there’s still plenty of ways to keep the sunshine in your heart and mind. Billboard has just released their list of the Songs of the Summer- the catchy tunes we have been hearing from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you’re still just listening to these jams when they get stuck in your head, it’s time to get them on your iPod or phone with an iTunes gift card from GiftZip.com!

1. Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell

Surprising no one, Robin Thicke stole the top spot of the summer with his insanely popular hit. Tying and breaking records all summer, it continues to be a chart-topper, though it did finally cede the number one spot to Katy Perry’s Roar this week.

2. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons’ debut album was released last September and is still enjoying huge success over a year later. Radioactive is the second single off that album, and was a radio DJ favorite on both alternative and top 40 stations all summer long.

August is upon us and it’s time to hit the racks for back to school shopping! Once you’ve filled the cart with number 2 pencils and other essentials, there are plenty of unique school supplies that fit your child’s personality and will get them excited for September. Check out these fun finds for the many different types of students that walk the halls.

Summer is more than just a season; summer is about experiences- enjoying outdoor concerts, road trips, vacations to new and exciting places, and the great outdoors. When it comes to summer gift giving occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, you have the opportunity to give these experiences to your friends and loved ones. Here are 5 great choices to give the gift of an unforgettable summer experience.

1. Outdoor Fun

Many of summer’s priceless moments come from enjoying the great outdoors. The warm weather creates endless opportunities for camping, fishing, sports, and more. If you are looking for a gift for someone who loves days at the lake or weekends in the wilderness, there’s no better choice than an outdoor themed present. Check out our selection of outdoor sporting gift cards and find the perfect outdoor retailer for your gift giving occasion.